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Warm weather is finally on the horizon, and when it comes to building my summer wardrobe, I’m pretty picky about my footwear. Comfort is obviously key, but shoes really can make or break a look, which is why I’ve got five trusty pairs I keep on rotation during the sunnier months that not only look great, but don’t give me blisters, either.
If you’re looking to refresh your summer shoe collection, these five styles cover just about every occasion. And while I’ve shared my personal favourites from the likes of Adidas and Dr Marten, there are absolutely more affordable styles out there that still fit the bill.
The key is investing in styles you’ll genuinely wear on repeat rather than shoes that spend most of the season gathering dust in the back of your wardrobe. One of my top tips is to avoid tapping into too many trends, and soon you’ll have a footwear rotation that can take you from beach days and city breaks to everyday errands.
Read more: I banned black from my wardrobe for a year and here’s what it tought me about my style
These are the five shoe styles I think every summer wardrobe needs.
Chunky Sandals
If there’s one pair of shoes that can handle everything from city breaks to pub gardens, it’s a chunky sandal. I’ve worn my black Dr Marten Blaire sandals to death over the last five years and they’re still going strong. However, this year, after a shift away from wearing black, I decided to add a new chunky sandal to my collection – and the cost-per-wear is already whittling down.
I recently invested in the Dr Martens Wrenlie sandals. I was on the hunt for a fisherman sandal and a brown sandal, but this married both and wrapped them in the signature Dr Martens style. They work just as well with floaty midi dresses as they do with denim shorts, linen trousers or wide-leg jeans. Plus, they add a little edge to feminine outfits while remaining practical enough for everyday wear. The little floral embossed detail is also adorable.
Casual Flip Flops
Flip flops have come a long way from Primark’s £1 pairs that were, in effect, disposable footwear for how long they lasted. There’s only really one brand I’ll buy flip flops from now and that’s Havaianas. I got their black Square Toe style last summer and they held up brilliantly all summer.
The square toe feels much more elevated thanks to its modern silhouette, making them look more expensive and on trend. They’re perfect for holidays, beach days, quick trips to the shops or slipping on when the weather is too good for trainers. I particularly love styling them with slightly dressier pieces like satin trousers for a high-low summer look.
Comfortable Trainers
Without doubt my most worn shoe for the last two years have been my Adidas SL72s. Every summer wardrobe needs a trainer that works with almost everything, and for me, these are exactly that.
Retro trainers continue to dominate, and the SL72 hits that sweet spot between sporty and stylish. They’re lightweight, comfortable and come in a range of colourways, making them easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe. For me, the brown, maroon and yellow pair seems to go with just about everything in my wardrobe, from satin skirts and blazers, to summer dresses and more. They’re the first pair I pack if I’m going away.
Jelly Shoes
Now I know I told you not to lean into too many trends, but you can make an exception for this one. The ballet flat trend has evolved into a jelly shoe, and it’s one of the biggest, yet most comfortable, surprises in my wardrobe this summer.
The M&S jelly shoes tap into nostalgia while still feeling totally wearable, and most importantly, without the blisters or sweaty feet. They’re fun, playful and can often add a pop of unexpected colour or texture to a look. Perfect if you’re heading to the beach, wandering around a seaside town or adding them to your weekly wardrobe, they’re lightweight, easy to clean and way more comfortable than they look.
Ballet Flats
To me, ballet flats are summer’s answer to loafers. And if you’re not quite ready to dip your toe into jelly shoes, a ballet flat is a safer style option. I do have quite a varied ballet flat collection but they are the style I reach for when I want something more polished than trainers but more comfortable than heels. They’re ideal for work, brunch dates, christenings and everything in between.
The best thing about ballet flats is how they pair with almost every item in your wardrobe., from tailored trousers and jeans to midi skirts and dresses. Whether you opt for neutral tones, get playful with coloured pairs or make a statement metallic finish, they’re a style you’ll wear year after year, for sure.
